Stereolithographic models to guide orbital and oculoplastic surgery.

Purpose: This paper aims to highlight the potential of stereolithographic models (SLM) as a tool in orbital surgical planning, and provides four examples of their role in facilitating successful surgery.

Method: Retrospective case series report.

Results: Case 1: SLM facilitated a successful orbital biopsy of a deep orbital mass by allowing several practice trucut biopsies. Case 2: Complex orbital fracture-repair was facilitated by using a SLM to demonstrate post-trauma and previous post-surgical-intervention bony anatomy. Case 3: Replication of accurate orbital anatomy in a case of severe socket contracture facilitated the selection of Branemark-implant placement sites to prevent inadvertent entry into the cranial cavity. Case 4: SLM prevented unnecessary surgical intervention.

Conclusion: SLM are useful tools for pre-operative surgical planning, and have applications in selected complex orbital and oculoplastic cases.